LOT #43146 |
Sold on Apr 24, 2026 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
Harry S. Truman: Signed V-E Day Proclamation....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Harry S. Truman: Signed V-E Day Proclamation. One page, 21 1/2" x 14 1/4"; Washington D.C.; May 8, 1945. Broadside of Harry S. Truman's V-E Day Proclamation, signed by President Truman at the lower right, "Harry S. Truman." On May 7th, 1945, the Germans surrendered to Allied forces in Reims, France. The surrender itself was formally ratified on May 8th, also known as V-E (Victory in Europe) Day, marking the end of the war in Europe. It would not be until September of that year that the war in Asia ended, marking the final conclusion of World War II. The proclamation reads, in part:"The Allied armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God's help, have wrung from Germany a final and unconditional surrender. The western world has been freed of the evil forces which for five years and longer have imprisoned the bodies and broken the lives of millions upon millions of free-born men. They have violated their churches, destroyed their homes, corrupted their children, and murdered their loved ones. Our Armies of Liberation have restored freedom to these suffering peoples, whose spirit and will the oppressors could never enslave...For the triumph of spirit and of arms which we have won, and for its promise to the peoples everywhere who join us in the love of freedom, it is fitting that we, as a nation, give thanks to Almighty God, Who has strengthened us and given us victory. Now, therefore, I, Harry S. Truman, President of the United States of America, do hereby appoint Sunday, May 13, 1945, to be a day of prayer...In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed."
With the sudden death of Franklin Roosevelt just the month before, the country was thrown into disarray with the loss of their leader; many people were very familiar with his leadership role and style, policies, and more since the Great Depression when he first took office. For Truman, having to assume the role of President so abruptly, and in the midst of a global war, was a difficult task to accomplish. With the help of the V-E Day Proclamation, Truman's words were able to bring about a new sense of unity and patriotism to the people, bringing a ray of hope to the nation that had witnessed the bloody warfare, death, and outright destruction faced by the many young men who fought in Europe.
Condition: Somewhat toned with minor creasing. Pinholes at the corners from previous mounting. A few very light, scattered stains. Overall an attractive example.
Auction Info
2026 April 24 - 25 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6327 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2026
24th-25th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 5
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 215
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% of the successful bid per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms